Finding sea creatures
Brookings, Oregon was a great stop with its mild climate which is extraordinary! Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and protected by the Cape Ferrelo headland, Brookings-Harbor is warmed by the “Chetco Effect” and faces south to catch the sunshine. Brookings-Harbor is known as the “Banana Belt” of the Oregon Coast.
The only reason we stopped in Brooking was because we had 4 days without plans after making some changes earlier. It worked out better than we could have hoped.
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Amazing sea stacks along the coast as we drove north in search of crab on a rainy day.
Cape Sebastian
We had unsuccessfully gone to the fish market in search of Dungeness Crab. A drive up the coast to Gold Beach seemed like a good idea on a rainy Saturday. The rain got heavier as we drove north but we had rain gear.
Success at Gold Beach a 2 pounder!
They cleaned and cracked the crab for us. We just needed to make a salad and Puglisi bread and we were happy campers.
Arch Rock at one of the many stops along the 101.
Tide pooling in the morning at low tide.
Every morning brought a different find as we walked the sandy beaches listening to the crashing waves and seagulls. On our last morning walk, the waves stopped briefly at low tide and then started building again.
Starfish party
Anemones
Our ride on the 101 was shorter than planned. The logging trucks on the way to the mill that the town was built around made us rethink our plan. The bike path had steep ups and downs and backroads were under construction. I was ok with not riding as the wind was picking up.
We are enjoying our slower pace this year than last. Our drives are much shorter and stays a little longer. Now 60 miles to Port Orford.
We have some famous tide pools in San Diego, but they pale compared to the variety and bright colors you enjoyed in along the OR coast. Thanks for sharing your adventure!
ReplyDeleteIt is just different. We enjoyed seeing what was there while in San Di3. We were sad to leave.
DeleteWe have discovered slower is better!! We’ve moved everyday for 4 days and drive about 4 hours each time. We are ready to sit still!!
ReplyDeleteThe coast in Oregon is so magnificent!! So different from the east coast where I grew up (Florida). Enjoy all that beauty!!
We get a chance to savor the area but still like moving on when it is time.
DeleteAmazing how many critters are living just below the surface.
ReplyDeleteIt is crazy and that so much of our world is covered by ocean.
DeleteWhat a great place to spend four unplanned days! Tide pools and fresh seafood. Very jealous. I'm putting Brookings on my google maps list of places to visit.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great state park that books up early for the summer.
DeleteWhat a great way to spend a few days, nice to get some down time with such sites to visit.
ReplyDeleteWe found ourselves walking so much. Just peaceful
DeleteThe Oregon coast is such a special place especially when the weather gods are smiling!
ReplyDeleteThe wind blows when it is sunny. We were lucky to only have 1 day of rain so far.
DeleteYou're in our home territory. :-) We've spent a lot of time in Brookings tide pooling — you got some great photos of the critters. And that Dungeness crab, yum! I agree, biking on 101 along the coast is awful. Too many big logging trucks on narrow roads without bike lines. I did it once, never again.
ReplyDeleteWe could see ourselves volunteering at this park.
DeleteBike lanes, not lines! Well, there are lines...
ReplyDeleteIt sucked and we stopped pretty quickly.
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ReplyDeleteHi Greg, Thank you for your nice comments. We are fortunate to be able to take the time to explore these incredible places.
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DeleteWhenever we see blog posts about the Oregon coast, it makes me long to return. Looks like the sea stars are healthy, unlike past years. I would not want to ride bikes along that stretch either. LuAnn
ReplyDeleteI have never seen so many different types of starfish. The clammers don't care for them since they eat a lot of them.
DeleteWe were recently in this area too and loved it. Isn't tide pooling fun. We hope to return again next summer. Thanks for sharing the great photos.
ReplyDeleteThe PNW is in our plans again next year. It is so interesting.
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